Sporting Fingal boss Liam Buckley is hopeful of having central defender Shaun Maher back fit for Sunday‘s game against Shamrock Rovers at Morton Stadium (4pm).

Maher missed last week’s 1-1 draw at St. Patrick’s Athletic with a hip injury but has trained this week and is expected to be available.

The only certain absentee is Colin Hawkins, still recovering from the broken ribs he suffered against CS Marítimo in the Europa League two weeks ago.

Last weekend’s encounter at Inchicore marked the return of striker Gary O’Neill to action, a development welcomed by Buckley.

“Gary came on in the second half and did well, involving himself in our goal,” he said.

“He’d been out for a long while with a groin injury and isn’t yet fully match-fit, so we won’t overdo it with him too soon.”

Fingal host Rovers in the middle of the Hoops’ two Europa League legs against Juventus. Buckley believes Michael O’Neill’s men gave a good showing in the first meeting on Thursday at Tallaght.

“It was a great occasion for Rovers and the Airtricity league as whole,” he said in reference to the 2-0 defeat to the 'Old Lady'. “Juventus are a top Italian team and Rovers enjoyed some spells of pressure in the match.”

He added: “Our previous four matches against Rovers have all been close, three draws and our FAI Ford Cup win at Tallaght in the replay last season.

“They’ve hit the summit in recent weeks and remain one of the title favourites. It should be an exciting game and we’ll be geared up for it.”